Ama Ama Restaurant at the Aulani

My company’s annual dinner was held at the Ama Ama Restaurant at the Aulani, Disney’s new Hotel in Ko`olina.

Because our party was larger than 10, we were asked to come at 5:30 p.m. instead of 6 p.m. so our party could be seated. We had two long tables and a set menu.

Hubby had the mixed green salad with a papaya vinaigrette for his appetizer and I had the duo of the Hamakua Mushroom Tart and Heirloom Tomato with Burrata Cheese. Both appetizers were very good but I especially liked the Mushroom Tart. Hubby liked his salad especially the papaya vinaigrette dressing which complemented the salad perfectly.

Hubby chose the Grilled New York Steak and I decided on the Sustainable Catch which was a paella with mahimahi. Both entrees tasted fine but were lukewarm. The shrimp in the paella was huge but a little chewy.

Portion sizes were ample.

A side comment on our dining experience was the plates. The silverware kept falling inside the plate.

The piece de resistance was dessert… the Hawaiian chocolate cake. It was onolicious and I would definitely order it again. It was not your usual chocolate cake, more of a mousse cake but so good. You need to remove the top and eat it separately.

Dinner was expensive…over $75/person but it was an enjoyable experience. I wish we had gotten to the hotel earlier so we could have walked around the hotel while it was still light.

Would I return on my own nickel? Perhaps for lunch but not anytime soon. Disney has a captive audience. The restaurant was busy and we saw the actor John Cryer. We all behaved ourselves and tried not to stare but gave him his privacy.

Our wait staff were very friendly, helpful and attentive. Free validated self or valet parking is available if you spend more than $35 which is not difficult to do.